After a week in which two club stalwarts in Luis Alberto and Felipe Anderson announced their intentions to leave Lazio, the latter joining Palmeiras in his native Brazil , the Biancocelesti travelled to Genoa to face the Grifone and try keep themselves in contention for a finish in the European spots.
After a low key first half Lazio created a bit more to test their hosts and in the end a lovely team move from the visitors was all it took to give them a 1-0 win this evening. Daichi Kamada provided a smart assist to Luis Alberto who slotted home from close range as his side returned to Rome with three points in the bag ahead of Tuesday’s Coppa Italia clash with Juventus.
As Luis Alberto finds the winner in Liguria here are our Lazio Player Ratings:
Lazio (3-4-2-1)
Christos Mandas – 6
Came out to deal with a long ball forward well. Confident with the ball at his feet. One nervy moment when he failed to claim a high cross.
Mario Gila – 6.5
Caleb Ekuban got the better of the centre half sometimes but he confidently regained possesion and strode forward into space. Didn’t neglect his defensive duties but Genoa failed to complicate things much.
Nicolo Casale – 4
Was shown a yellow before the break and lost the ball to Mateo Retegui in a dangerous position. Shaky and was replaced after 45 minutes.
Patric – 6.5
Put a great cross into the area but no one reacted. Often found himself in very advanced positions, even taking on shots. Stood up to David Ankeye when necessary.
Manuel Lazzari – 5.5
Teammates tried to use his pace but some of his runs weren’t spotted. Always displayed good energy. Was taken off injured after just 35 minutes.
Daichi Kamada – 6.5
Obvious effort to turnover the play and make something of it. Slightly hesitant at times but gave a good account of himself. Played a good ball across to get his assist. Purposeful showing.
Matias Vecino – 6
Grew into the game more and more, especially on the ball. Solid in the middle. Smart little step-over created space for Alberto to slot home.
Adam Marusic – 6
Not much found it’s way to him until he switched wings to accommodate Elseid Hysaj. Was involved in a massive chance Lazio couldn’t get into the net. Seized opportunities to run into space but wasn’t sharp enough.
Luis Alberto – 7
Glimpses of great skill but not much until the second half when he got to grips with the game more, culminating in a a good finish from close range. Kissed the badge after last week’s post match controversy.
Felipe Anderson – 6.5
Carved out a number of chances for the Aquile however not many were taken advantage of. Not a fantastic game but porduced a great ball in the build-up to the goal to find Kamada.
Taty Castellanos – 4.5
The Argentine found it difficult to capitalise on a handful of chances afforded to him in the penalty area including a great one right before half-time but he didn’t pull the trigger. Ineffective up front.
Substitutes:
Elseid Hysaj – 6
Dealt with everything that came at him confidently and efficiently this evening, solid showing without many issues.
Alessio Romagnoli – 5.5
Had to battle with Retegui and the striker did find a way through sometimes. No big mistakes however.
Pedro – 6.5
The odd burst forward with good footwork and graft. Well played.
Danilo Cataldi – 6
Nothing less then expected in the centre. Kept things ticking over.